Malcome, a sophomore running back, told ESPN.com’s Joe Schad he chose Southern Illinois because the program has “a good tradition of running backs” and the Salukis “rely heavily on the run game.”

Former SIU running backs Brandon Jacobs and Deji Karim are playing in the NFL.

Malcome announced last week that he was transferring from Georgia. He had fallen behind freshmen Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall on the Bulldogs’ depth chart.

“I have made this decision because I think I can get more playing time someplace else,” Malcome said in a statement provided by the university last week. “I have enjoyed my time at Georgia and appreciate the opportunity that Coach (Mark) Richt and the other coaches have given me here.”

Last season, Malcome carried the ball 57 times for 274 yards and two touchdowns. He started the Bulldogs’ 2012 opener and got touches in 10 of the team’s 14 games.